A mix of traditions at Hanover Park, Des Plaines events

At first glance, it looked like a polka that opened the folkloric dances and mariachi music Friday at the Mexican Independence Day celebration in Hanover Park.

Women wearing full skirts and frilly white blouses kicked up their heels with their partners, dressed in what looked like cowboy outfits, complete with fringed suede jackets and cowboy hats.

The lively music, however, was distinctly Mexican, as members of the Ballet Folklorico Raices Mexicanas re-created a dance from the northern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, which borders Texas and is known for its European influences.

"It's basically a polka, brought to us by the Polish people," said Director Marissa Gonzalez of Palatine, "with our own Mexican interpretation and style added in."

The 25-member troupe draws its members from Mission San Juan Diego church in Arlington Heights. They perform folk dances from different regions of Mexico, each featuring the state's traditional dress.

They will be wearing many of those same costumes today, when they perform in the 11th annual Festival! at Lake Park Memorial Pavilion in Des Plaines.

The festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. and features live entertainment in the band shell, with families stretching out along the banks of Lake Opeka. Admission is free.

Once again, Des Plaines Park District officials are partnering with the Mexican Civic Society of Illinois to present the event, which commemorates Mexico's first proclamation of independence from Spain in 1810.

"In Mexico, Independence Day is a very important celebration that everyone makes time for," says Tony Garcia of Des Plaines, of the Mexican Civic Society. "This kind of festival is unique, because it combines a traditional celebration with singers, musical groups and folkloric dances."

In Mexico, Garcia added, many families cannot afford to see performances of the folkloric ballet, so being able to see them locally at festivals makes it even more appealing.

"You see lots of families bringing their children to see the different dances from their states in Mexico," Garcia says. "It brings back good memories from home."

Musical entertainers include the Des Plaines-based Grupo Nueva Generacion, featuring all 20 members playing classical guitar, as well as Conjunto Los Chicos del Rancho Banda playing country music from Mexico, and Tierra Nueva, a 12-piece wind instrument ensemble. Chicao singer Jesús Enríquez takes the stage at 5:30 p.m.

Joining the Ballet Folklorico in re-creating Mexican folk dances will be Ballet Sol Azteca, based in Des Plaines.

Traditions: Ballet a special opportunity for fest goers